I really enjoyed this book by Kathi Macias. Kathi artfully blends the stories of a daughter and mother going through a tough time. The mother, a busy doctor, renews a friendship with a dear, godly woman, who begins sharing the story of a patchwork quilt, based on the life of Elizabeth Blackwell, America's first woman doctor. Kathi's books make you really care for the main characters in their struggles, and it's a fun way to learn more about history too. As the stories weave together, all of the characters, real and imagined, learn to depend on God for their strength.

I loved this book, it was easy to read. Kathi's Quilt series can be read in any order as each is a stand-alone story. However, once you read one, you will want to read them all! I also look forward to reading other books by Kathi Macias!

When her unwed medical student daughter discloses that she is pregnant, Dr. Laura Branson is torn between excitement and fear. Until now, her beliefs and stance on pro-life issues have been more theoretical than personal. It isn't until she receives a Christmas giftâ€”a quilt that depicts the life of pioneer Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman doctor in Americaâ€”that she is forced to wrestle with her beliefs. What does she really believe, and will she have the courage to stand by her convictions?

My Review:

Jenny makes quilts every year, never knowing who they are for, or what purpose they will serve. She never knows who they are for, but in faith she sews every stitch knowing their purpose will eventually be revealed. When she meets Megan, she slowly learns her story, and discovers that the girl had a bright future ahead of her - until she came home and announced that she was pregnant. I loved how Macias took some very tough yet sensitive topics, and so easily took us on a journey of grace, forgiveness, and mercy.

And of course, the quilting theme tied with Elizabeth Blackwell's history as the first female doctor in America was absolutely fascinating. When life got messy for Dr. Laura and her daughter, the symbolic quilt and Dr. Blackwell's story was the shining star of hope in their life. Macias shows us that no matter what life throws at us (whether based on our choices or otherwise), God always has a plan for us far beyond what we could ever hope or dream of.

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.

When her unwed medical student daughter discloses that she is pregnant, Dr. Laura Branson is torn between excitement and fear. Until now, her beliefs and stance on pro-life issues have been more theoretical than personal. It isn't until she receives a Christmas giftâ€”a quilt that depicts the life of pioneer Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman doctor in Americaâ€”that she is forced to wrestle with her beliefs. What does she really believe, and will she have the courage to stand by her convictions?

My Review:

Jenny makes quilts every year, never knowing who they are for, or what purpose they will serve. She never knows who they are for, but in faith she sews every stitch knowing their purpose will eventually be revealed. When she meets Megan, she slowly learns her story, and discovers that the girl had a bright future ahead of her - until she came home and announced that she was pregnant. I loved how Macias took some very tough yet sensitive topics, and so easily took us on a journey of grace, forgiveness, and mercy.

And of course, the quilting theme tied with Elizabeth Blackwell's history as the first female doctor in America was absolutely fascinating. When life got messy for Dr. Laura and her daughter, the symbolic quilt and Dr. Blackwell's story was the shining star of hope in their life. Macias shows us that no matter what life throws at us (whether based on our choices or otherwise), God always has a plan for us far beyond what we could ever hope or dream of.

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.

The Doctor's Christmas Quilt is a standalone novel, second in Kathi's quilt series that

focuses on various social issues, including racial and pro-life issues. For a story that deals with an unplanned pregnancy, it is a surprisingly sweet, cozy , and somewhat predictable read, also with a clear Gospel message. Yet it seemed realistic as Laura and her daughter struggled with tough decisions about the future, and while the ending is satisfying, everything isn't neatly tied up - nor should it be.

Laura is a character I admired, a doctor who spent her medical career helping the needy by working at a clinic for the poor. Her love for Megan never wavered and their close mother-daughter relationship was a joy to see. Laura's wisdom is shown in her realization that: "Unconditional love doesn't make the problems go away, but it sure helps keep them in proper perspective."

The quilt maker, Jenny, is an adorable character. Jenny begins making a quilt every spring, without knowing who it is for, and finishes in time for Christmas. "I just pray as I stitch, and listen until God tells me what to do with it."

The quilt itself is a major character, telling the story of Elizabeth Blackwell, the first American woman doctor. I found Elizabeth's story remarkable and enjoyed Jenny's sharing of it with Laura and her daughter and the way it ministered to them.

Sometimes a light, inspiring story is just what I need, and I enjoyed the characterization and the way Kathi dealt with some serious issues in this story. I would recommend The Doctor's Christmas Quilt to those who enjoy inspirational fiction.

This book was provided by BookFun.org and New Hope Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

The Doctor's Christmas Quilt is a gift of a story from Kathi Macias. You will want to open this gift at any time of the year even if it does have Christmas in the title.

Macias crafted the story in an excellent manner by intertwining a current day woman medical doctor and her med student daughter with the story of the first woman to go to med school and become a practicing physician, Elizabeth Blackwell. Only a master storyteller like Macias would have the skill to put together all the parts of this story and result in believable characters facing what they would think to be the worst possible scenario given their values. Real tests of character are created and the wisdom of God's pro-life stance shines through.

The modern day med student, Megan, dated a fellow med student who took advantage of her as their physical relationship went beyond the boundaries she found acceptable. Pregnancy resulted. So her mother, a physician, is sought out for comfort and advice as the daughter has expectations of going through the pregnancy alone. She even thinks perhaps the father of the child should not even be told in the future that he has a child. She has so many confusing thought to sort out including if she will even return to school.

Another aspect of this story covers the tendency of some doctors to be workaholics who become so engrossed with their work that they neglect their health and family. The doctor has been in the unhealthy routine of skipping meals. A remedy for that is found. The unlikely friendship between the doctor and an elderly small shop owner is the backdrop that keeps this story moving with their lunch time meetings where they dine and discuss the quilt blocks that tell the story of Elizabeth Blackwell. Macias graciously gives the reader the full story of Blackwell instead of the "doctored" and politically correct version which bypasses Blackwell's stance of being against abortions. Her family also worked against slavery, and she paved the way for women to be able to pursue medical school. In a sense, you get two stories in one in this book.

I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review after reading the book. I am so thankful I was given the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book.

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